GILAS Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin welcomed the presence of Mac Belo and Roger Pogoy in practice on Monday, saying the Far Eastern University standouts will not only fill the void left by absentees, but also allow those present to get some rest if needed.

Belo joined the national men’s team in training for the first time, while Pogoy was also in attendance at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center, but stayed in the sidelines due to a minor hamstring injury.

“It’s good to get these young fellows in here,” Baldwin said. “These guys will allow the intensity level to be a little bit higher, because they allow the players to not only participate, but have the assurance that they can get a break when they need a break."

“All players like to know that they can go hard, but at the same time, they can get a break when they need one,” he added. “These guys give us that luxury.”

The FEU stars joined fellow amateur standouts Kiefer Ravena and Kevin Ferrer as part of the young group invited by Baldwin through the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

Belo showed his dedication as he took part in some drills despite coming off a game in the PBA D-League just hours before.